Martin sent me these photos this morning because the school is looking smart and tidy. And, of course, with the two nearest volcanoes visible this morning the view from the top of the school is even more inspiring.
Technology is so important for the development and efficient running of the school but it is also important to be able to introduce the children to it too. So a new desktop has been delivered and because a regular supply of electricity is not always forthcoming…a...
Apparently it was a bigger job than expected but now it is almost finished! Transformed from bare bricks and holes in the ground to plastered, tiled, plumbed in, including squat stances and euro toilets! What a transformation, I can’t wait to see the final result!!...
It was vital to complete the installation of these balustrades to ensure that the school is safe for the children, staff and visitors. So well done everyone, sponsors, builders, welders, painters and of course the staff. I think they look quite cool too…...
It is back-breaking work digging in volcanic ground! The guys are doing well though. They’re digging two deep holes in which to put the septic tanks. Toilets may not be a very exciting topic but the finished articles will be very exciting… especially when you need...
Once the guys had finished building the first floor, the priority was to get the barriers manufactured and installed on the balconies and the stairwells so that the teachers and children could use the classrooms safely. The local skilled metalworkers, who made the...
We are so blessed to have the wonderful Ken with us now. He is joyful, wise, experienced and willing to share his knowledge with the teaching staff. This is a a truly wonderful group of people doing an amazing job. They rescue vulnerable children from the jungle and...
This is the current team at the Emily Collins School, they are a a truly wonderful group of people doing an amazing job. They rescue vulnerable children from the jungle and streets of Kisoro and give them safety, nourishment, an education and hope for a brighter...
Day by day, as funds allow, they make good progress on the roof slab! And it is certainly looking even better in the Ugandan sunshine ???? Emily Collins School, Kisoro.
The next stage has begun....Lots of progress being made at the Emily Collins School in Kisoro! The supports for the roof slab are going up on the shorter length of the L shaped building. The steel wires have arrived despite the huge increase in the price of steel and...
Such fantastic news, the concrete has set!! They’ve taken the support poles away to use on the other part of the 1st floor. The ceiling slab is now over 2/3rds of the school and work begins on the other 1/3rd. Thanks for your support so far! And we look forward to...
On Tuesday afternoon, 28th February 2023, I was honoured to share the stage with the truly wonderful Jill Mumford. We were invited by the Dorset Heritage Trust to give their annual Alan Wilson Memorial Lecture. Well in truth, Jill was invited to speak and I was asked...
When we started this project in late 2019 we never expected to have got this far so soon but the generosity of our donors, sponsors and partners has exceeded our expectations. So much so, that we are where we are today: The ground was cleared within months, by hand,...
Some exciting, if slightly wonky, photos that show the progress the guys are making in building the first floor of the school while it is closed for the Christmas break. Well done to Martin and the team in Kisoro 👏👏👏
Mixed emotions this morning. Firstly; ‘sadness’ because of the Government’s decision to close schools a few weeks early in an attempt to slow the spread of the deadly Sudanese strain of Ebola and, secondly; 'the absolute ‘joy’ of seeing the guys start building the...
This is Gift, an 8 year old little girl who turned up at the Emily Collins School to ask for a job. Just as some friends had been in touch with Martin about sponsoring. So Gift didn't get a job but she got a sponsor....What a brave little girl and what a great way to...
Sadly, it is not always good news from Uganda. This is becoming a particularly tough week! It is now the rainy season and the temporary roof over the stairwell to the (future) first and second floors needs upgrading to stop anymore damage being caused by water...
Here is a ‘shout out’ for these three amazing people at The Emily Collins School, Kisoro Left to right - Ignitious Irimaso - Headteacher, Doreen Manishimwe - Team Leader, Emanuel - Director of Studies A hard working, committed and inspirational leadership team,...
To have clean water is a ‘given’ here in the UK, but at the school the team are happy to to use water filters - and to have them in such a bright blue colour just adds to the joy!
Aw, one of the Mission Direct volunteers who was working in Rukungiri recently gave Martin Duhimbaze some dolls for the children at the School in Kisoro, how kind! Judging by the smiles on their little faces they love them.
It is hard to believe that a lady sitting in our church hall, here in the South of England watching the band, 'Lock, Stock and Barrel, could be drawn to the shoeless plight of so many children in the villages around Kisoro in SW Uganda, but she was! Playing on a loop...
The Autumn term started recently and the children came back to school looking happy, smiley, very clean and eager to get started again. The sun shone for the first few days and the school flew that National Flag of Uganda with pride and set up the community hall as a...
...vulnerable children will be able to sleep and eat there too The school partially opened on the 10th of January 2022, when Covid-19 restrictions were lifted in Uganda and it was granted a licence to operate by the Ugandan Government. It aims to provide a safe...
Quite often I find that is the little things that bring me the most joy! For example, yesterday I was thrilled to receive this photo of the new office desk and chair for the Emily Collins School from Martin. It just goes to show that setting up the woodworking...